By Linus Aleke
Experts have given reasons why the already rested Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Vision 2020 failed to achieve its main objective.
Finance, Monitoring and Evaluation Expert, Mr Prosper Houssou said the Vision 2020 failed to achieve one of its main objectives of improving the access to quality basic social service of the citizens of the sub-region.
He gave reasons for the failure to include but not be limited to the lack of significant and coordinated efforts by ECOWAS member states to improve access to quality basic social service.
He regretted that Vision 2020 failed to combat inequalities and all forms of human rights violations and improve the supply of infrastructure.
Addressing parliamentarian and other distinguished audience at the ongoing first 2022 ECOWAS Parliamentary Seminar in Monrovia the Capital city of Liberia, Mr Houssou in a paper titled, “The Result of ECOWAS Vision 2020 Assessment,” however, noted that significant progress was made in the process of consolidating the Common Market.
He made particular reference to the ECOWAS Free Movement of Persons, Trade Liberalization Scheme as well as the creation of the Customs Union which materialized by the entry into force of the Common External Tariffs in 2015.
“In the Infrastructure development field, significant efforts have been made in the implementation of the regional facilitation programme with a particular focus on the juxtaposed border crossing programme and the corridor development programme,” he said.
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The Financial, Monitoring and Evaluation expert also applauded the development of the region’s resources and promotion of the private sector which has strengthened the interconnection between the Member States and enhanced progress in the establishment of electricity exchange systems as well as the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency which has in no small measure contributed to the improvement of regional competitiveness.
He further noted that there is a need to strengthen Member’s State ownership of programmes and policies and work towards ensuring the effective implementation of these programmes and regulations.
Mr Houssou advised that to avoid the repetition of some of these lapses, Vision 2050 must seek to improve the visibility of programmes and intervention while ensuring the availability of sufficient financial resources as well as strive to improve and strengthen coordination and the evaluating system.
